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High attendance is mark of a booming season

January 29, 2009 : Eric Brown

The growing support for Liberty University’s men’s basketball team was clearly illustrated last Saturday by an abundance of fans. Nearly 7,400 Flames fans packed the Vines Center during Liberty’s double overtime nail-biter against Radford University, giving LU its largest crowd since Feb. 10, 2005.

Impressed by the overwhelming attendance, Liberty University Director of Athletics Jeff Barber said the turnout is an excellent indicator of things to come.

“Coach McKay is building a great program here, and people are responding to that,” he noted. “It’s what we’ve been shooting for and what we’re looking forward to in all of our sports.”

After defending the home court against High Point University on Tuesday, the youthful Flames look to avenge an early season loss when they host Big South rival UNC-Asheville to conclude a three-game home stretch. Last season, the Bulldogs entered the Vines Center as a conference favorite but were upset 83-54 by a determined and fearless Flames squad. Barber hopes this Saturday’s 7 p.m. contest will be just as thrilling as last year’s meeting and will mirror recent attendance numbers.

“It was a good win (Tuesday) night in the continuing excitement building around this program,” Barber said. “We expect to have another big turnout like at the Radford game.”

Tickets can be purchased at the Flames Ticket Office, online at libertyflames.com or at the gate prior to tipoff. Fans may also redeem a discount coupon at one of 32 Apple Market convenience stores in Central Virginia. For more information, visit libertyflames.com or call (434) 582-SEAT.